Funding bidding to open for £1m boost to leisure, culture and tourism

Applications for huge funding boosts in the south Essex district are set to be opened for a second round, after a cash boost of more than £200,000 to boost leisure, tourism and culture was secured.

Rochford Council has launched a consultation on its cultural and visitor economy strategy for the district and is seeking views of residents, businesses and groups on how to grow and support tourism and provide better cultural experiences for the district.

The council has appointed tourism consultancy specialist, Blue Sail, which is seeking the views of residents and organisations in the cultural and visitor economy sectors. The consultation will focus on two council-owned sites: The Mill Arts & Events Centre in Rayleigh and The Freight House in Rochford. 

It comes after the authority announced more than £244,000 has been awarded to support creative, heritage and high street projects that will be delivered between May 2024 and March 2025 by the same Government fund. 

Funds are agreed to improve the paths at the National Trust Rayleigh Mount to make the heritage asset more accessible, replace and introduce new handrails, create new engaging interpretation and install people counters. 

Cash will also support Rochford entrepreneurs and performers, with a spotlight on young people. Markets and events will be held in Rayleigh and Rochford, featuring stallholders, live performances and creative workshops. There will also be 22 theatrical performances and creative sessions to try out arts and acting as well as new Christmas lights in Market Square and Bradley Way, Rochford.

Michael Hoy, chair of the economic development, regeneration and tourism committee at Rochford Council said: “We hope as many residents and businesses respond to this survey so that we get meaningful feedback to guide the strategy. In particular, we want to hear how the community would like to see The Mill Arts & Events Centre and the Freight House being used moving forward.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was launched in April 2022 and provides £2.6 billion in funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund supports the ambitions of the levelling up white paper and aims to build pride in place and increase life chances across the country. Rochford Council has been allocated £1m for local levelling up projects.

The survey closes on September 19. The online survey can be found at www.rochford.gov.uk/ukspf.